Join us for our Connecting with Nature series, where we'll showcase various activities enjoyed by supporters of our Ottawa County Parks. Immersing oneself in nature has been scientifically linked to numerous benefits such as improved attention and reduced stress and anxiety levels.  

You may not know, but November 17 is national hiking day. It is a day to celebrate the mental and physical benefits of nature, and also encourage people to get outside and experience the outdoors. 

We posted on social media asking folks why they hike in an Ottawa County park and here were some of the responses we received:

Hikes in an Ottawa County park link me to nature through uplifting nature sounds, stunning scenery, and magnificent trails and facilities. The well-maintained and varied trails offer invitations to experience new adventures. - Becky Ahearne

Hiking in Ottawa County parks helps me connect with nature by reaching my curiosity through all my senses. From the smells of pine needles, to the feel of soft moss, to the sight of a colorful tree or a fawn peeking through the trees. Every park offers a feast for our senses. - Sue Lansky 

I use the beautiful trails in OC Parks for my physical activity (strolling with a friend, hiking with my husband, or running by myself) and credit that with helping me to lose over 30 pounds this past summer. It feels so good to keep these old bones & muscles moving. I'll keep trying for a 5K every day . . .  The 'positivity factor' is another important benefit. Just viewing the trees, wild flowers, birds, and flowing water brings a smile to my face and joyful peace to my heart. I'm so grateful to have easy access to these wonderful natural spaces so close to home! - Alice Hoban

Hope to see you on the trails!

Featured Park: Pigeon Creek

Pigeon Creek Park is 282 acres with another 130 adjacent acres of County Open Space land. Over ten miles of ski trails wind through old pine plantations, mature deciduous forests and through bottomland forests along the Pigeon River (off-trail snowshoeing is allowed).

Ski trails are groomed, tracked and reset as needed throughout the day. Three miles of ski trails and the sledding hill are illuminated for evening use. 

Learn more

by Bobbi Jones Sabine

Compass plant (Silphium laciniatum) is a tall, late-blooming perennial beauty that resembles a sunflower. Most of the lacy, dissected leaves are on the lower part of the stem, while the yellow flowers are held up high, sometimes up to 6 or 7 feet tall and rumored to reach 12 feet under ideal conditions.  The common name refers to the tendency of the lower leaves to align themselves in a north-south direction when exposed to full sun.

In Michigan, the plant naturally occurs so rarely it has been given Endangered Species status. Only a few native occurrences are reported in the lower part of the state, with two oddball communities popping up in the central U.P.  It has also been widely planted in highway plantings and in prairie restoration projects, flourishing in open sunny meadows. It should be noted that such cultivated populations are not subject to Endangered Species protections.

Compass plant is found throughout the central part of the U.S. and up into Canada. At one time I had a healthy specimen in my own garden, but when I tried to divide and relocate it, I was unsuccessful due to the deep, woody taproot.

Attractive to pollinators, especially bumble bees, one study documented 29 species of pollinators visiting this species. The rough, scratchy texture of the leaves and stem discourage browsing by rabbits and deer.

Native Americans from seven tribes were documented as using this plant for up to 16 different uses, including an emetic, a chewing gum, a ceremonial medicine, and a veterinary aid for horses. Research is currently ongoing for compounds that may prove toxic to cancer cells.

Get Involved

How would you like to get involved?

• Volunteer on a Foundation committee.

• Join Parks Sustainers Club. 

• Join Parks for Life.

• Make an IRA or Stock contribution.

• Purchase a commemorative bench.

• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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